Procurement Specialist

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Region
Job Number #173237 - Etten-Leur, Noord Brabant, Netherlands
Who We Are
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!
Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Procurement Specialist

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Procurement Specialist to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the continuous, optimal supply of essential raw and packaging materials across all European production facilities. The incumbent will be instrumental in executing strategic savings initiatives and, through collaborative engagement with suppliers and internal stakeholders, will develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies, operating plans, sustainability roadmaps, and supply chain resiliency plans to achieve core company objectives. A key requirement is the establishment of robust contractual agreements for all materials with selected suppliers, ensuring adherence to stringent terms and conditions across quality, quantity, cost, delivery, and other critical contractual elements.

What you will do:

Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned materials.

• Lead or participate in negotiations and manage RFx processes.

• Cultivate a robust network internally and externally to drive growth and innovation.

• Utilize procurement e-Tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms, such as Ariba and SAP.

Supplier Management & Performance

• Manage supplier relationships through regular evaluation meetings, project reviews, and innovation discussions.

• Establish and monitor performance goals for suppliers in key areas: sustainability, innovation, cost, quality, and service.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lead supplier development programs.

Cost Management & Risk Mitigation

• Identify, develop, and lead company savings initiatives to meet corporate financial goals.

• Direct risk management, including executing Enhanced Supplier Management (ESM) audit plans and meeting contract coverage targets.

• Implement action plans to mitigate supply disruption risks and reduce single-source dependency.

• Achieve sustainability and social responsibility objectives.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and drivers for assigned materials to identify future cost risks and opportunities.

Internal Collaboration & Compliance

• Ensure effective communication and alignment with internal business partners.

• Provide support to local teams in resolving material quality and service issues.

• Ensure full compliance with all Company policies and standards.

• Engage in continuous self-improvement through training, coaching, feedback, and implementing best practices.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Analytics, or related field.

• 3+ years of experience in Strategic Sourcing or Supply Chain, with a proven track record of managing complex material categories.

• Native-level fluency in English 

• High proficiency in data manipulation (Advanced Excel is the baseline; experience with SQL or Data Visualization tools like PowerBI is a major plus).

• Deep experience with ERP/e-Procurement suites (SAP S/4HANA or Ariba).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leveraging Generative AI (Google tools) to automate administrative tasks and enhance market research.

• Ability to use historical data to forecast future supply chain trends and pricing.

• Experience leading cross-functional projects using Agile or Lean methodologies.

• Background in Food Packaging, FMCG, or highly regulated manufacturing sectors.

• Ability to use data-backed "Clean Sheet" costing to influence outcomes.

• Strategic thinking: shifting from "buying materials" to "managing ecosystems."

•  A proactive mindset regarding the adoption of new technologies and digital transformation.

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives  to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.
Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.